Marin Museum of the American Indian facts for kids
![]() Museum of the American Indian in Miwok Park, Novato, California
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Former name | Marin Museum of the American Indian |
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Established | 1967 |
Location | Novato, California, USA |
The Museum of the American Indian is a special place in Novato, California, USA. It used to be called the Marin Museum of the American Indian. This museum opened in 1967.
It is built on land where the Coast Miwok people once lived. The museum is inside Miwok Park, which is a large park covering about 35 acres. You can find it in northern Marin County.
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Discovering the Museum of the American Indian
The Museum of the American Indian is a great spot to learn about Native American history and culture. It is located in Novato, California. The museum helps people understand the rich heritage of the first people of America.
How the Museum Started
The museum began thanks to a group of students. In 1967, the Archaeology Club at Novato High School wanted to protect old artifacts. They asked local leaders to create a rule to save these important items. This rule was approved.
The club even published a report about their discoveries. This report was featured in a famous magazine called Scientific American. A club member named Pete Moore suggested a place to keep all the artifacts they found. That same year, the Museum of the American Indian opened its doors.
What You Can See at the Museum
Many people visit the museum every year. Over 7,000 visitors come, including about 4,000 school children. The museum has a large collection of items.
You can see real Native American artifacts. There are also paintings and photographs. These items help tell the stories of Native American life and art.
Fun Events and Activities
The museum hosts a special event each year called the Trade Feast. This event takes place in Miwok Park. It is a lively celebration of Native American culture.
At the Trade Feast, you can watch indigenous dancers perform. There are also demonstrations of traditional skills. You might see basket weaving or how arrowheads were made. Kids can enjoy many fun activities. You can also try native foods.
The museum is open from Friday to Sunday. It welcomes visitors from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM. They also offer free activities throughout the year.